Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) In-School Youth (ISY) Program is a federally funded initiative designed to support youth who are still enrolled in school. The program provides career exploration, skill development, and work-based learning opportunities to help young people prepare for successful employment and post-secondary education.

The main goals of the program include:

  • Helping youth gain work experience through paid internships and job placements. 
  • Providing career guidance and planning to explore various career paths. 
  • Offering workforce readiness training to develop essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and professionalism. 
  • Supporting young people in obtaining credentials, diplomas, or certifications needed for employment. 
  • Connecting youth to higher education, apprenticeships, or post-secondary training. 
  • Providing individualized case management and mentoring to ensure success. 

Program Requirements

To qualify for the ISY WIOA Program, youth must meet the following criteria:

1. Enrollment Status

  • Must be enrolled in school (high school or an alternative education program). 
  • Eligible to obtain a work permit (if you are under the age of 18) 

2. Eligibility Barriers
    Participants must meet Low-income Status (based on family income or eligibility for free/reduced lunch, TANF, SNAP, etc.) & meet at least one of the following barriers:

  • Disability (learning, physical, or mental health-related). 
  • English Language Learner. 
  • Homeless or in foster care (current or former foster youth). 
  • Justice-involved (history with juvenile justice system). 
  • Pregnant or parenting. 
  • Struggling academically (basic skills deficient, behind in school credits, at risk of dropping out, overall GPA below 1.5, or receiving a D/F in English and/or Math) 

3. Commitment to Program Activities
    Youth in the program are expected to:

  • Participate in career and workforce readiness workshops. 
  • Engage in work experience opportunities (internships, job shadowing, or part-time work). 
  • Work with a case manager to set and achieve education and employment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I want to apply for the program, but I am having a hard time getting income information from my family. Can I still apply for the program?
A:
Yes! You can still apply for the program even if you are having trouble getting income information from your family. There are several ways to qualify as “low-income” without providing direct family income details. For example, you may meet the income requirement if:

  • You live in a qualifying ZIP code where economic need has been identified. 
  • You or your family receive SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash aid), or other public assistance. 
  • You qualify for free or reduced-price lunch at school. 

If none of these apply and income verification is needed, our team will work with you to explore alternative documentation options before requesting family income details. Don’t let this stop you from applying. Reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through the process!

Q: How old do I have to be to be eligible for the program?
A: If you are a current high school senior, you are eligible to apply. To participate in the work experience component, you must be 18 years old or younger at the time of enrollment. If you turn 19 after you have already been enrolled, don’t worry you are still allowed to continue in the program and complete your work experience until the end of your employment period.

Q: How do I apply to be in the program/Where can I get the application?
A:
There are a couple of ways to obtain and submit your application for the program:

  • Online: The most convenient way is to download the application from our website. Once completed, you can submit it via email or in person.
  • In-Person: If you are unable to download and print the application, you can pick up a paper copy at our office, located at Belle Cooledge Community Center between 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Q: What is the work experience plan?
A:
The Work Experience (WEX) Plan is designed to help you gain real-world job experience, build workplace skills, and explore career options while earning a paycheck. The program provides structured, paid work experience opportunities in various industries to prepare you for future employment.

Q: I am interested in hosting a youth for their work experience, how can I start the process?
A:
We’re always looking for businesses and organizations willing to provide valuable work experience to young people! As a WEX job site, you’ll have the opportunity to mentor and train youth in soft skills and 21st-century workplace skills, helping them build confidence and prepare for future careers.

How To Get Started

If you’re interested in becoming a job site for our program, please contact us via email at WIOA@cityofsacramento.org. In your email, please provide:

  • Your Name 
  • Business/Organization Name 
  • Location 
  • Contact Information 

Once we receive your inquiry, a staff member will reach out to discuss the needs of our participants and determine if your site is a good match.

What we look for in a worksite:

  • A safe and supportive environment for youth 
  • Willingness to mentor and train young workers 
  • Opportunities for youth to develop soft skills, professionalism, and workplace etiquette 
  • Supervision and guidance from staff 

By becoming a WEX job site, you are investing in the future workforce and helping young people gain the skills they need to succeed!

Contact us

For additional information or questions, contact us via email at: wioa@cityofsacramento.org

ON THIS PAGE